something blue

For Christmas (I know I have a lot of Christmas posts) I got my sister-in-law's, Jessica, name. She was just recently engaged and is planning an early spring wedding. I wanted to make her something special for her special day. One thing I didn't have for my wedding, and really didn't think about, was a handbag or clutch to keep my phone, lip gloss, etc in. So I was just carrying them around, and luckily didn't lose any of it. So I figured I'd make something for her to keep these little things in, in of course blue. You know the saying, something old something new something borrowed something blue.

So my confession is, for my wedding I had misplaced my blue garter at home, or somewhere. And didn't realize it until I was already dressed and 15 minutes from walking down the aisle. Being stuck inside of a room at the church, my bridesmaids and me searched for something blue I could use in the room. We found blue sugar packets. So I grabbed a  couple and stuffed them in my dress. Lol. DON'T FORGET THE GARTER.

Anyways, I again got a pattern idea from Pinterest. If you haven't checked it out yet, DO IT! I didn't follow it exactly, I kinda figured it out on my own. And the cool thing was, I already had everything to make it. You may even recognize the fabric from my cloth diaper post.

Little blue clutch.

Inside pocket.

Oh snap!

Made the flower out of scraps.

Springy looking too.

travel color pack

For my nephew, Nolan, I had a pretty good idea of what to get him for Christmas. After looking at his mothers Pinterest anyways. I saw this idea myself and thought it was great! Although, Cora isn't quite old enough to understand that crayons draw on paper and aren't an afternoon snack. Here's a link to an example: Click here. Mine doesn't look exactly like it, but same idea. But it's great for going out where children may get bored.

Woof! Woof! Made from felt and google eyes.

Was a kid-size apron, now a color pack!

Fold and velco, fold and velcro.

Fits into backpack or diaper bag.

Christmas came early

Joel and I celebrated our Christmas yesterday and my family's last Sunday when everyone was down for Cora's birthday. I have to say, I got some pretty good gifts. And part of it is I have learned to be direct when people ask you what you want. It just makes it easier on everyone, especially Joel. I told him exactly what I wanted. And it didn't hurt to take a picture and send it to him, just so he would remember. For some reason, I'm sure many women would agree, men don't always get the hints so just be direct. He gets frustrated if I'm being modest and say 'i don't know' or 'i don't need anything'  or 'you know what I like'. That's exactly how he is, but I've also learned to pick up on his hints.

This year he got me exactly what I ask for. It was still a surprise cause I didn't know if he actually got it. And he got a better one than I had ask for.

This is a cast iron dutch oven. I've been wanting one for a while, but they're kinda expensive. Which is why it is a great Christmas gift. I can't wait to use it!

I also wanted one of these really bad.

In case you don't know what this is, it's super handy for chopping and scooping. So much easier transferring from cutting board to pan.

My rain boots. I love em! My sister-in-law, Sharla, drew my name for Christmas and got me these. Hot pink, and they're insulated, cushiony, and have traction. Not just those thin rubber boots. I can't wait for the snow now!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Looks like Christmas here

Well, it's actually pretty nice out, just a little chilly. But a nice break from the last two Christmas's with blizzard like conditions! Today is Christmas Eve, and we will be heading to my in laws tonight. Seems this is a little tradition of ours. We go to my in laws Christmas Eve and have my mother-in-laws homemade pizza, watch the Christmas Carol, and drink some hot cocoa. That's how it usually goes anyway. Last year was an exception with Cora being only 10 days old, we just stayed up here and everyone came up. But now I'm excited with Cora being older.

The day after Thanksgiving Joel and I started or Christmas decorated. It was difficult to wait that long for me! But one holiday at a time. The only thing we didn't get done, were the Christmas lights outside. Joel put up two strands of lights, which weren't enough to cover the front. So they're still up there, just hangin, not lit. Lol. Anyways, here's some pictures of what we did decorate inside:

Paper snowflakes my mother-in-law made. I attempted and failed.

Cora's ready to open presents!

A wreath my mom made me last year.

Gotta love the nutcrackers!

 

I made these stockings last year. 

I love this greenery around the window.

You're an animal baby

Here's another dress I made from a sweater for my niece, Rachel. She's is about the same age as Cora, only 6 weeks apart. So they're pretty close in size. Rachel's mom, April my sister-in-law, is really into animal print. When I saw this sweater I immediately thought of her. This was almost a free gift, minus the under clothes. But still less the $5. Great for me and saving some monies! And it is sooo adorable, and easy to make. This has to be my new favorite thing to do, make baby dresses from old clothes. Only Cora has so many clothes, most where given to us, I have to give them to other people. We need more girl babies!

The black flower was a pin I had for years, but never once used. I'm glad I could use it for this!

Cute little leggings. These used to be sleeves on the sweater.

Before was just a normal sweater.

                                     

Yeah, I baked that.

Tis the season for baking! I have to admit I never took the time to bake cookies or treats during the holidays before. But, this year I did! I did a couple types of cookies, and something new I don't know what to call it. Peanut butter blossoms, sugar cookies with frosting, and chocolate chip pie bites?? I saw that one on Pinterest. It was sooo easy I had to do it. I went to my moms one Sunday, and we just baked all day. And I used those treats as party favors for Cora's party. Cheap, easy, and festive. Joel was calling me crazy every time I saved a toilet paper roll and I had to explain to him every time why I was saving it. I guess he forgot every time.

Bite size peanut butter blossoms! I usually make em bigger with a kiss. My fav!

A chocolate chip wrapped in pie crust. I may drizzle some chocolate on them next time.

Put in a toilet paper tube! Oh, and a mini candy cane.

Oh, happy penguins.

It's party time

Saturday evening was Cora's birthday party. I spent most of the day finishing up cleaning, decorating, and shopping for items I forgot. My sister-in-law, Jessica, came over to help me out and keep Cora occupied. Which was great because some people came over early! I decided to make a meal. Something that was easy, chili. Just put it in a crock pot! I had to make a lot since we had close to 30 people. I made two different kinds, just regular red chili and white chicken chili that I winged, which turned out pretty good apparently since there was none left.

Anyways, Cora didn't know what was going on, but she did great. She played and was just her happy little self. She loved playing with the tissue paper in the gifts and started to get the hang of pulling it out. The best part of the night was when it was time for the cake, or cupcake. I had to blow out the candle, but she didn't need any coaxing in eating it! She ate the whole thing, then had a chocolate penguin. And she used her body as a canvas. I was very happy I took her clothes off! Needless to say I had to give her a bath.

It was a great night and loved seeing everybody come out to celebrate with us. My little house was very crowded, and I was relieved we made the downstairs a play area. And onto  Christmas!!

little pink dress

Cora's birthday party was a success! She had fun, and we loved seeing everyone. I will post pictures later of her party. But one gift from me to her was a little dress cover-up I made. I forgot to take a before picture, but it was an XL womens sweater. I also made a little headband to match.

Happy First Birthday Cora!

It's been a while since I last posted and I really don't have any good excuses. Other than being busy and exhausted. I'm staying home doing childcare. Right now I have three kids. And for one week I picked up a very strong-willed 2 y/o boy. But that was only for a week, had to kick him out after multiple instances of hitting. Anyways, by the evening I was very exhausted but still had a list of stuff to do, Christmas or birthday related, and daily chores. Still have a list!

But today was a very special day for us. My baby turned into a toddler! After a little tear, I was soo happy and thrilled. Cora of course had no idea why today was so special, but she did enjoy the extra attention. The morning started out with some bananas with chocolate, then playtime. I gave her one gift (the others we're saving for her party on Sat.) a little puppy (the stuffed kind). After my kids left for the day, I took her out to eat some mac n cheese (her new fav), bought Daddy a Christmas present (he was working tonight :( boo ), went to Barnes and Noble to read some books and play, and had an ice cream sundae with some balloons! Now I can't wait to share this special day with our friends and family. Must.finish.list...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CORA!!!